Caput Mundi Roma

The year is 29 AD, and Emperor Tiberius' reign has brought Rome to its peak of power. The city, a sprawling metropolis of marble temples, grand basilicas, and winding streets, pulses with life, Its vibrant markets, bustling forums, and colorful clothing are a testament to its prosperity.

The air is thick with the smells of fresh bread and smoke, and olive oil, there are also some foul and pungent smell coming from somewhere thats assaulting the nose of the busy people while mingling and doing their own purpose.

The sound of hammers ringing out against the sun-baked stones from the residential area also fills the air. The rumble of chariots echoes through the streets, their wooden wheels clattering against the cobblestones as they transport citizens and goods throughout the city.

As the season of Aestas begins, the days are lengthening, and the people are slowly feeling the hot and dry season, hastening their preparation for the changing of the seasons.

In the bustling city, people from all walks of life thronged the streets. Old and young, male and female, dressed in colorful attire or tattered rags, went about their daily activities.

Despite being a part of the Julio-Claudio* dynasty, Roman society was rigidly divided by ranks and status. At the bottom of the societal ladder lay the Slaves, toiling in various capacities.

They were categorized into three main groups: Servi, Manicipia, and Vilici.

Servi, the household slaves, they are moslty from younger age, male or female and mostly has beautiful features, attended to domestic duties, ensuring the smooth operation of their master's homes.

Manicipia, on the other hand, were relegated to physically demanding tasks, such as farmwork, construction and carrying their master's litter through the bustling streets, they are mostly strong physically fit male.

Vilici, the most skilled and intelligent of the slave class, managed estates, oversaw other slaves, and often possessed specialized skills.

Some individuals, desperate to escape poverty or debt, would even sell themselves into slavery as vilici, hoping to secure a better life.

In the city's slave nundinae, human beings were displayed like hot commodities, their physical strength and beauty highlighted to attract potential buyers. Placard hung around their necks, advertising their origin, skills and price. Amidst the crowds, some slaves gazed out with hopeful eyes, while others seemed so lost, their spirits crushed by the cruel fate that had brought them from distant lands to this place.

Next to the slaves in the social hierarchy were the Libertis, freedmen and freedwomen who had once been slave but had gained their freedom. These individuals, often skilled and educated, had earned their liberty through different means, such as being freed by their masters, buying their own freedom, or being granted liberty through imperial decree. As freedmen, they occupied a unique position in Roman society, no longer bound by the shackles of slavery but still often tied to their former masters through patronage and social obligations. Most libertis are vilicis.

The most largest class in societal hierarchy next to libertis, are the Plebeians or the commoners. The majority were farmers who tilled the land, the artisans who crafted tools, and the small merchants who traded goods. While some plebeians lived in cramped tenements, working from dawn till dusk and struggling to make ends meet, the others, particularly merchants who have a stable income, resided in a more comfortable homes. Yet, despite their varying circumstances, plebeians were very proud people, fiercely loyal to their families and their community. They gathered in the forums, discussing politics and gossip, their voices raised in passionate debate. They were the plebeians, the everyday heroes of Rome!

At the pinnacle of Roman society stood the Imperial Family, with Emperor Tiberius at its helm. As the ruler of Rome, he wielded immense power and authority, guiding the empire to unprecedented heights of prosperity and stability. His multiple marriages had forged alliances and secured his position, though he had yet to produce an heir. The Imperial Family's influence was unmatched, with their every move scrutinized and their wealth and privilege unparalleled. Tiberius's wise and calculated leadership had brought peace and security to Rome's borders, earning him respect and admiration from the people. Or so the people thought.

The Equestrians or knights ((AN//not real knights but had the capacity to buy a lot of expensive horses because of how freaking wealthy they are)), were simply a social class of extremely very extremely wealthy, and influential individuals who had achieved a certain level of financial success but has no drop of noble blood. They were essentially self made men who had risen to prominence through their business acumen, wide range trade, commerce or other means.

And last but not the least, there stood the noble Patricians or the noble families. They claimed ancient lineage and wealth. For centuries, they had held sway over Rome's politics, governance and culture. Their opulent domus and family estates served as symbols of their power and influence, while their names echoed through history as champions of Rome's greatness. Patrician families, such as the Julii and the Claudii, had produced legendary leaders, senators and magistrates who shaped the destiny of Rome. With their aristocratic bearing, refined tastes, and extensive connections, the patricians embodied the epitome of Roman aristocracy.

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*last revision (021725)*

INDEX:

1. Aestas - summer

2. Julio-Claudio - referring to the Julio-Claudian dynasty which ruled Rome from 27 BC to 68 AD (in truth, it is only called Julio-Claudio dynasty because all the emperor i think that ruled Rome in that time has Julius and Claudio in their names.)

3. litter - a type of transportation, a platform or chair carried by slaves.

4. nundinae - market

5. Julii - refers to Julius clan

6. Claudii - refers to Claudius clan

7. forums - public places *additional*